The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a thrilling 103-99 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, their second consecutive win against their division rivals. The game was a showcase of LeBron James’ brilliance, with the Lakers improving their record to 16-12 and sitting tied for 5th in the Western Conference.
One fan acknowledged how the Lakers often make victories difficult yet celebrate the hard-fought win against the Kings.
It’s never easy but I’ll take it
— annoying ohtani fan (@owndodgerhaters) December 22, 2024
Then a second fan referred to Rui Hachimura’s critical late-game tip-out after Anthony Davis missed two clutch free throws, humorously pointing out that Hachimura saved the day.
rui saved ad's ass for sure
— take my foot bron (@fozoglob) December 22, 2024
A third fan chimed in, emphasizing their gratitude for Hachimura’s late-game heroics and his pivotal role in securing the win.
THANK YOU RUIII
— unbothered (@ricky_184) December 22, 2024
Another fan praised LeBron James for his incredible 32-point performance and hails him as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) for his leadership.
LeBron is the GOAT
— Javen (@JavenLFC) December 22, 2024
Then a fifth fan expressed satisfaction with the win and improved defense but criticized Anthony Davis for his subpar offensive performance and missed free throws.
I'll take the win, our defense is great once again, but AD held us back tonight I can't lie.
— Izad (@izad_saeed) December 22, 2024
A sixth fan mocked critics who doubted LeBron’s ability to perform at a high level in his 22nd season, highlighting his continued dominance.
THIS MAN DEFIES FATHER TIME MY KING
— Lucro 💫 (@PlayoffLucro) December 22, 2024
LeBron led the way with a masterful performance, scoring 32 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, dishing out 6 assists, and recording 5 steals while shooting 13-of-24 from the field. D’Angelo Russell was instrumental, contributing 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists, shooting an efficient 7-of-13 overall and 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. Austin Reaves added 16 points and 5 assists, while Anthony Davis had a mixed night with 10 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists.
The Kings were led by De’Aaron Fox, who scored 31 points on 12-of-17 shooting, including 3-of-5 from three-point range, and added 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Domantas Sabonis struggled offensively, shooting just 5-of-19, but managed 19 points, 19 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Lakers held a slight edge in shooting efficiency, hitting 48.2% from the field compared to the Kings’ 43.3%, despite both teams struggling from three-point range.
LeBron also broke another NBA record, becoming the all-time leader in games with 10 or more points, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 1,509. This comes after James recently became the league’s all-time leader in minutes played, further solidifying his legendary status.
The game started with a strong defensive effort from the Lakers, allowing them to jump to an early 7-0 lead. LeBron’s transition play and sharp passing were key, while Russell’s shooting helped maintain the advantage. Despite the Kings making runs throughout the game, the Lakers displayed resilience. Rui Hachimura had crucial moments, including a tip-out in the final minute that sealed the victory.
With the win, the Lakers clinched the season series against the Kings, leading 3-0 with one game remaining on December 28. Next, they’ll host the Detroit Pistons before heading to face the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day. This victory not only boosts the Lakers’ momentum but also cements LeBron’s legacy further as he continues to defy time and records alike.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
